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BRICS diversity is its greatest strength

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BRICS diversity is its greatest strength:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that the BRICS group of countries which are united by their common vision and goals incorporates peoples, cultures and traditions of more than three billion people across the world. 

“We are united by our common vision and common goals. Our diversity is our greatest strength, and tonight you will secure to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and foods of South Africa,” he said. 

The President was speaking on Wednesday on the occasion of the Cultural performance and State Banquet of the XV BRICS Summit that took area at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg. 

In a celebration of unity, diversity and shared pace, several Heads of State and Government were treated to a formal dinner orchestrated by renowned culinary expert Wandile Mabaso. Mabaso, a globally acclaimed chef, skillfully combines traditional French methods with the delightful tastes of South Africa.

Mabaso was joined by Xolani Mancotywa, a qualified beverage steward and chef who has reimagined traditional African cuisine and accurate African fine dining.

The dignitaries were treated to performances which included a choreography by Gregory Maqoma, inspirational dance by Musa Motha and renowned opera singer Pretty Yende.

The President extended his gratitude to the Heads of State for accepting his invitation as they celebrate being together on a night which he trust they will find joyful and pleasant.

“It is also a night when we thank you for joining the BRICS countries prior to tomorrow’s BRICS Outreach programme.

“We hope that this evening you will experience South Africa‘s account, one that interweaves our many different cultures, traditions and languages as the foundation of an inclusive nation.

“It is a yarn that reflects the nature and purpose of BRICS, which values partnership and cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity,” the President said. 

Ahead of the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue on Thursday, the President told the dignitaries that they will all tomorrow articulate how they will foster change in the world for the benefit of all the peoples of the world.

The President highlighted to the leaders that they maintain more acumen to celebrate as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa) partners following India making history as the first country to successfully land a lunar module on the south pole of the moon.

“We congratulate Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi, the government and people of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the success of the Chandraayan-3 mission. Pushing forward the frontiers of scientific undertake is integral to human pace.

“In anticipation of this distinguished achievement Prime Minister Modi proposed at our BRICS Summit this afternoon that BRICS should set up a Space Exploration Commission where, as BRICS countries, we can share knowledge and experiences,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that the more they learn about this world they live in and beyond, the greater their capacity to improve it and to elevate the human condition.

He said that this and many other achievements enable the countries to crawl forward to prosperity, pace and to peace. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

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– MyZA

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The FNB Stadium: The “Calabash” of a Nation

While the original stadium was built in 1989, its current iconic form was the result of a massive reconstruction for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The design, led by the architectural firm Boogertman + Partners, is deeply rooted in African symbolism. Its exterior is modeled after a calabash, the traditional African gourd or “melting pot.” The facade is composed of thousands of fiber-cement panels in eight different earth-toned colors, mimicking the fire and earth used to kiln the traditional pot. At night, the stadium is illuminated from below, creating the visual effect of a glowing fire beneath the “pot,” a symbol of the warmth and hospitality of the African continent.

The stadium’s capacity is a staggering 94,736, making it the largest stadium in Africa and the fourth largest in the world. But its significance transcends its scale. The site is a “theatre of history.” In 1990, just days after his release from 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela delivered his first speech to a massive, roaring crowd at the original FNB Stadium. It was here that he effectively signaled the beginning of the end of Apartheid. Decades later, in 2013, the same stadium hosted his memorial service, bringing the world together in a final farewell to “Madiba.”